How to Pronounce "separate but equal"
expression
ˈsɛpɝˌeɪt/, /ˈsɛpɝɪt/, /ˈsɛpɹət/ /ˈbət/ /ˈikwəɫ
SEP-er-ayt but EE-kwuhl
ˈsɛpəɹət/ /bˈʌt/ /ˈiːkwəl
SEP-uh-ruht but EE-kwuhl
Definition
A phrase used to describe a situation in which groups of people are kept apart but are supposed to have the same rights or conditions; most often refers to historic racial policies in the United States.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈsɛpɝˌeɪt/, /ˈsɛpɝɪt/, /ˈsɛpɹət/ /ˈbət/ /ˈikwəɫ
British English
ˈsɛpəɹət/ /bˈʌt/ /ˈiːkwəl
Simplified Pronunciation
US
SEP-er-ayt but EE-kwuhl
UK
SEP-uh-ruht but EE-kwuhl
Listen in Context
The law said facilities could be separate but equal.
Separate but equal was used to defend segregation in schools.
People realized separate but equal was unfair.
Many argued that separate but equal was just an excuse for discrimination.